Everton FC starlet Luke Garbutt preparing for toughest of tasks next term - dislodging Leighton Baines
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Aug 1 2012
IT IS perhaps one of the least enviable tasks in Premier League football – but next season Luke Garbutt is ready to try the unthinkable. The 19-year-old wants to try and take Leighton Baines’ place in Everton FC’s starting line-up. That’s the situation facing Garbutt if he is to fulfil his ambition of breaking into the top flight next term, after a year of learning and developing on loan in the last campaign. The former Leeds United youth starlet, who cost the Blues £600,000 in 2009, played 37 times for Cheltenham during the 2011/12 campaign, helping the Robins to Wembley for the play-off final. After that he impressed for England U-19s in their European Championship campaign in Estonia, and now feels ready for a tilt at the toughest of tasks – nudging last season’s PFA team of the year nominee Baines aside – or at least continuing his footballing education in the Championship. “I hope this season I can kick on and hopefully get a higher league club on loan or stick around here and push on,” he says. “My main objective is to get in the Everton first team because I am an Everton player and that’s what I want to do. It’s up to the gaffer and what he sees in me. It’s up to him, I’m happy to do whatever he thinks is best.” So far pre-season has offered Harrogate-born Garbutt a chance to show David Moyes how he has improved, and he responded with an eye-catching cameo at Dundee United earlier this month. Garbutt was hoping for further opportunities by travelling to Indonesia with the senior squad for the Java Cup before Everton’s withdrawal from the tournament, but could at least figure again tonight in the Liverpool Senior Cup final against Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park. “I think I got a lot out of my loan spell,” he said. “I played a lot of games and picked up a lot of experience, hopefully to kick on here and get a bit of playing time with the first team. “If you are playing reserve team football you don’t get that feeling of going out on a Saturday and playing against other teams that are fighting for three points as well.
“It was a good test for me and I think I did well and the gaffer at Cheltenham saw something in me and gave me a chance.”

Steven Pienaar completes Everton FC transfer return
By Greg O'Keeffe
Aug 1 2012
STEVEN PIENAAR insisted he was never going to sign for any other club than Everton FC after the midfielder completed his £4.5m Goodison Park return. The 30-year-old put pen to paper on a four-year-deal worth about £70,000 a week after passing a medical yesterday, bringing to an end fears that Sunderland or QPR might hijack David Moyes’ summer transfer priority. Everton eventually had to pay £1.5m more than they received from Tottenham when Pienaar left in January 2011, but pushed through a deal for the South African in the knowledge that his permanent recapture was key to Moyes’ plans for the forthcoming season. And while some supporters feared the Bafana Bafana captain may be persuaded to opt for another club which could offer better terms, Pienaar said that was never an option. “I am happy to be here. It took a few weeks to sort out but I am delighted to be back and excited to play for Everton,” he said. “There was no doubt in my mind that I would be back here. At the end of the season I told the manager how I felt and I am happy now it is all done.” Pienaar, spent the second half of last season on loan at EFC, with his sparkling performances instantly catching the eye as he scored four goals in 14 games. He originally joined Everton in July 2007 on loan from Borussia Dortmund before that deal was made permanent a year later, and the one-time Ajax star forged a fearsome left-sided partnership with Leighton Baines.
However he left Goodison Park for Spurs 18 months ago to follow his dream of Champions League football, but returned to Merseyside 12 months on with opportunities at White Hart Lane limited due to the form of Gareth Bale. After helping Everton to an eventual seventh placed finish in the Premier League in May, he gave an emotional interview underlining his desire to remain with the Toffees but admitted he was unsure if a deal would be struck. In the end his fears were unfounded, as Spurs chairman Daniel Levy – who is believed to have been the driving force behind signing Pienaar in the first place – sanctioned his sale, and he will once again wear the number 22 shirt at Goodison.

Steven Pienaar had no doubt he'd return to Everton FC
Aug 1 2012
STEVEN PIENAAR admits there was "no doubt" he’d be back at Everton after his protracted return was finally confirmed. Pienaar yesterday put pen to paper on a four-year deal after the Goodison outfit agreed a £4.5m fee with Tottenham Hotspur for the South African. The player, who left Everton for White Hart Lane for £3m in January 2011, proved a huge success having been re-signed by David Moyes on loan for the final four months of last season. Moyes made a permanent move for the 30-year-old his priority this summer and, despite a nervous waiting game, Pienaar was always confident the transfer would be completed. "I am happy to be here," he said. "It took a few weeks to sort out but I am delighted to be back and excited to play for Everton. "There was no doubt in my mind that I would be back here. At the end of the season I told the manager how I felt and I am happy now it is all done." Pienaar, who will once again wear the number 22 jersey, saw limited action during his time at Tottenham under Harry Redknapp, but scored four goals in 14 games having arrived on loan at Goodison on transfer deadline day back in January.
The South African had originally joined Everton on a season-long loan from Borussia Dortmund back in July 2007 before the move became permanent in a £2m transfer. While Everton have made a £1.5m loss on the transactions during the past 18 months, Moyes believes it is a price worth paying for Pienaar’s creativity. The Goodison outfit will look to recoup some of the transfer fee by finally brokering a deal to sell Joseph Yobo to Fenerbahce, the Nigerian having spent the last two seasons on loan with the Turkish side. Pienaar is Everton’s second major signing of the summer after the arrival of former Rangers striker Steven Naismith on a free transfer. Moyes raised further funds by allowing Tim Cahill to depart to New York Red Bulls in a £1m deal.

Tranmere Rovers 2 Everton 1: Tranmere land Liverpool Senior Cup as Blues youngsters lose final
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Aug 2 2012
IF Alan Stubbs was singularly unimpressed by his Everton reserve side’s dismal stalemate against Hereford at the weekend, his mood will not have improved after their tame offering across the Mersey last night. Even the presence of a string of players with Premier League experience in Seamus Coleman, Shane Duffy, Jack Rodwell, Ross Barkley and Apostolos Vellios could not help the Toffees’ second-string produce much of note as they lost the Liverpool Senior Cup final to Tranmere Rovers in injury time. Stubbs spoke of his young team’s need to find their sharpness and physical edge quickly after Saturday’s draw, but his words went largely unheeded and the former Everton captain will demand rapid improvements from his players – few of whom did much to convince a watching David Moyes they must be in his plans for this month’s Premier League kick-off.
Instead, a healthy crowd watched Ronnie Moore’s side largely out-muscle their younger opponents, who will hopefully at least have benefited from a rigorous workout against a solid and occasionally exciting League One outfit. At least the locals got some entertainment value too – with three penalties in normal time and a last-gasp winner to keep them engaged into the night at Prenton Park. Typically of how things were to pan out Tranmere created the first opportunity, when French trialist Jonathan Tehoue flashed a first-time volley from six yards over the bar after good work from James Wallace. The scare seemed to spark a sluggish Everton side into life, as they began to keep hold of the ball better and almost score after a slick passing move involving Francisco Junior and Coleman which saw Conor McAleny’s shot saved by 6ft9in Jason Mooney in the Rovers’ goal.
In reply, Andy Robinson curled a shot only narrowly over Jan Mucha’s crossbar from 15 yards.
Neither side were creating many opportunities as a scrappy tempo developed but Everton’s extra class eked out a decisive opening. First Ross Barkley’s nicely-weighted through-ball saw McAleny’s shot blocked by Mark McChrystal; then from a corner, the visitors edged in front.
As Tranmere’s defenders switched off, Garbutt’s inswinging flag-kick was volleyed home easily by Vellios from around the penalty spot. Moore’s side dusted themselves off and responded brightly, with lively new boy Abdulai Bell-Baggie working his way through on goal only to be denied by a timely sliding block from Jake Bidwell. As half-time approached McAleny and Barkley linked-up smartly, to allow the latter a chance to unleash a venomous effort that flew just outside Mooney’s post. The Toffees should really have created more in the opening half given the number of their players with Premier League experience, and although Barkley looked to join the attack from his right wing berth as much as possible, Mooney was not troubled enough. Indeed it was Rovers right-back Danny Holmes who had the last chance of the first period with a deflected shot. The second-half started in similar fashion, as Rovers were awarded a penalty when Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro was impeded. Fortunately for the Blues, Mucha made a fine diving save to force Robinson’s spot-kick around the post. Then from the corner Tehoue’s athletic volley thundered over the bar. And 10 minutes later Robinson’s clever cross found Akpro unmarked in the area but his header was directed wastefully wide. Urged on by their frustrated bench Everton responded, and McAleny won a penalty after shimmying into the area and being upended by Danny Holmes. Unfortunately for Everton, his effort was too close to Mooney who saved smartly. More spot-kicks seemed to be on the cards with the deadlock drifting into added time, but then Moore’s men struck decisively. Akpro, who had shown impressive movement all night, caught Everton’s defence too far upfield and set Robinson free with only Mucha to beat. That he did confidently, allowing Rovers to smile for the cameras with the cup as those in blue got ready to face Stubbs’s wrath.
TRANMERE ROVERS (4-4-2): Mooney, Holmes, Bakayogo, Taylor, McChrystal (Chilvers, 63), Palmer, Bell-Baggie, Wallace (Capt), Akpa Akpro, Robinson, Tehoue (Black, 78). Subs (not used): Harrison, Williams, Power.
Goals: Wallace (64 pen), Robinson (92).
EVERTON (4-4-2): Mucha, Coleman, Duffy (Capt), Bidwell, Garbutt, Junior (Hope, 72) Kelly (Lundstram, 45) Rodwell, Vellios, McAleny, Barkley. Subs (not used): Taudal, Browning, Forrester.
Goal: Vellios (29)
REFEREE: Gordon Johnson

Steven Pienaar sets his sights on Everton FC trophy or European qualification
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Aug 2 2012
STEVEN PIENAAR immediately set his sights on a trophy or European qualification after sealing his permanent Everton FC return. The 30-year-old midfielder completed a £4.5m switch from Tottenham to Goodison on Tuesday, and was relieved his desire to remain on Merseyside had been fulfilled. And with his future resolved after weeks of negotiations between Spurs and the Blues were concluded, the South African skipper said he is determined to pick up where he left off on loan last season. He said: “It took a few weeks but I’m delighted to be back. Hopefully this time around we can win a cup or qualify for Europe. "The manager has shown so much belief in me - that’s the only way I can pay him back. “A good start is the main thing. If we start well, I’m sure we’ve got the players to end well so it’s just a matter of changing it around.” Pienaar had to sit out during Everton’s run to the FA Cup semi-final last term and proved to be a big miss as they were beaten 2-1 by Liverpool – but wants to help the club bounce back straight away in next season’s cup competitions. “We’ve got a strong team. If you see the way we finished last season, I think we were one of the best teams then.

Everton FC duo Jack Rodwell and Seamus Coleman face a huge season, says Alan Stubbs
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Aug 2 2012
JACK RODWELL and Seamus Coleman are facing a “huge” season when they must cement regular first team places if they are to progress at Everton FC, says Alan Stubbs. The midfield pair both played 90 minutes as Stubbs' reserve side lost 2-1 to Tranmere Rovers in the Liverpool Senior Cup final last night, and neither managed to shine at Prenton Park. Rodwell, 21, is still building up his match fitness after a hamstring problem ruined his chances in the second half of last season, so alongside Republic of Ireland international Coleman, 23, will have been glad to have come through a lively encounter with Ronnie Moore’s side unscathed. But Stubbs admitted both have plenty to do in order to force their way into contention for a place in David Moyes’ first-team XI when the Barclays Premier League season begins against Manchester United on August 20. He said: “It’s a huge season for them both. “They’ve got to force their way into the first team and make a headache for the manager not to pick them. “It’s the kind of headache he wants every week. “They’re capable of doing it but will have to push for it. “They’re in that bracket now where they’re not really young players now. They need to get into the thick of it. It won’t be easy but nothing is handed to you in this game.”

Mark Lawrenson: The loss of Tim Cahill is no issue to Everton with the likes of Nikica Jelavic around
The Liverpool Post
Aug 2 2012
THE departure of Tim Cahill has prompted some debate over who will take the fight to the opposition for Everton next season. But for me there isn’t much issue. It’s not as though anyone facing David Moyes’s side will be coming up against shrinking violets. Cahill was a great player for Everton and forged a reputation for scoring important goals, but was a diminishing force over the last 18 months. And the arrival of Nikica Jelavic, not only an out-and-out goalscorer but also a good all-round player, has helped soften the blow. He has given Everton a different dimension.
Moyes will look to ensure the potency of Jelavic by the signing of Steven Pienaar on a permanent basis. Pienaar is the type of player that Jelavic thrives off. The South African plays with his head up and is always looking for an opening, and Everton were lacking that following the departure of Mikel Arteta. Pienaar’s relationship with Leighton Baines down the left flank is as good as any in the Premier League, and the performances during his loan spell earlier this year demonstrated that link remains as strong as ever. I think he has realised the error he made in leaving Everton. Moving to Tottenham Hotspur might have made him a few quid, but he’ll be back playing regularly in front of a crowd that loves him and a manager that appreciates him.

Steven Pienaar hopes for Everton FC silver lining
Aug 2 2012
STEVEN PIENAAR is hoping for a silver lining after signing in at Everton for a FOURTH time this week.
Pienaar penned a four-year deal after completing a £4.5million move from Tottenham Hotspur.
The South African, who spent the final four months on loan at Goodison last season, had first signed for Everton in 2007 on a season-long loan from Borussia Dortmund, which then became a permanent deal. The nearest Pienaar has come to a medal during his time at Everton was defeat in the 2009 FA Cup final against Chelsea. And the 30-year-old schemer is determined to help end a Goodison trophy drought that stretches back to 1995 – or at least secure a return to European competition. "It’s my fourth time signing at the club so hopefully it’s time to win a trophy," said Pienaar. "It took a few weeks to get the deal done but I’m delighted to be back. Hopefully this time around we can win a cup or qualify for Europe. "The manager has shown so much belief in me – that’s the only way I can pay him back." Pienaar left Everton for Tottenham in January 2011 but struggled to make an impact under Harry Redknapp, prompting his temporary return on transfer deadline day in January. Four goals in 14 appearances and a succession of impressive performances prompted Goodison manager David Moyes to make re-signing the midfielder his summer priority.
And Pienaar added: "It’s a special feeling to know so many people were behind me. Some of my friends told me ‘we want you back and this is where you belong’. "It’s something special when people really appreciate you like that. I hope to put a smile on their faces. "It’s a new challenge and a new season. I just have to make sure I can get fit it, as it takes a while to get back to full fitness. I hope it will come early so I can continue enjoying my game. "It’s difficult when you work on your own but I’ve been motivated. The people who support me have helped keep me going."
Pienaar’s transfer was held up by the departure of Redknapp as Tottenham manager until his replacement, Andre Villas-Boas, gave the green light to the deal. "There’s always complications with a new manager coming in and you don’t know what he wants from you," he said. "But I made it clear to him when I went back. I told him that I wanted to leave before he was appointed. I said I would be a professional and train hard, but if the opportunity came up to go to Everton, I would take it with both hands. "He understood and he wished me well." Pienaar’s displays helped Everton finish last season strongly, with Moyes keen for his team to quickly regain their momentum when they open their new Premier League campaign at home to Manchester United on August 20.
"A good start is the main thing," said Pienaar. "If we start well, I’m sure we’ve got the players to end well so it’s just a matter of changing it around. "We’ve got a strong team. If you see the way we finished last season, I think we were one of the best teams then. If we start like that, we’ve definitely got a chance of winning something and qualifying for Europe. "It is important to get an understanding going as soon as possible, to make sure the team is functioning as a whole and get the points that will put us up there with the best teams."

Phil Neville delighted to see Steven Pienaar back at Everton FC
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Aug 3 2012
STEVEN Pienaar is the silent leader of Everton FC’s squad - according to its more vocal skipper Phil Neville.The South African completed his permanent Goodison return this week in a £4.5m switch from Spurs, and Neville said the news has lifted the Blues squad.During his 14-game spell with the Toffees last term Pienaar notched four goals, including high profile efforts against Chelsea and Manchester United.And the playmaker noticeably helped Everton’s style of play become easier on the eye, something Neville believes was just one of the positives.He said: “We all rely so much on him and I think he thrives on that sort of pressure and responsibility.“I love him as a player. You can give him the ball in any position and he takes the ball and makes others around him play.“Without being a great talker or being demanding of people, his body language and the way he leads by example on the pitch is fantastic.“The way he played last year, he came back and seemed even better than he was in his first spell at the club. He lights up the place, there’s no question about that. The players trust him, the manager trusts him and he makes us a better team.”Meanwhile, Everton has changed its ticket allocation system for the 2012/13 season.Following extensive feedback from supporters, the club has replaced the loyalty points system for the forthcoming campaign with tickets now allocated based on purchase history on the current and, if required, the previous season.Introduced in 2009/10 in a bid to ensure a demonstrably fair and structured process for purchasing sought-after tickets, the loyalty points system allocated points based on purchases within a single season.The philosophy behind the system was that tickets would be allocated based on points as opposed to games.The number of points awarded varied, depending upon the product purchased, with Season Ticket holders earning the most number of points.However, over the course of the last season, it became apparent that there were alternative means of allocating tickets successfully and the loyalty points system became redundant.For the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley in April, tickets were allocated based on match ticket purchase history and this was widely accepted by supporters as a much better, fairer and appropriate process.Similarly, tickets for away fixtures where there were restricted numbers of seats available for Evertonians were allocated using purchase history without any issues.Supporters should be aware there is no monetary value in any loyalty points accrued and they are not redeemable against any other club products or services.Tickets for the Manchester United fixture are on sale and the match ticket purchase history system is now in use by the Fan Centre.

Dave Prentice: Everton FC defender Tony Hibbert well deserving of his testimonial
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
Aug 3 2012
I WINCED the day Tony Hibbert made his Everton FC debut.Not as a result of anything his typically resolute performance produced, but from the moment he tried to head the ball clear from the viciously swinging boot of a footballer nicknamed Psycho.Hibbert survived decapitation – just. Stuart Pearce was correctly red-carded and Everton were awarded a penalty kick which ultimately proved huge as Walter Smith's side battled against the growing prospect of relegation.Tony Hibbert has been producing regular feats of bravery and heroism on a match by match basis, in his own quiet, unassuming manner.He is the antithesis of the modern footballer.A friendly, personable Huyton lad, he doesn't court publicity, and he's never happier than when he’s sat at a riverbank with a fishing rod in his hand.On Wednesday night he will be propelled into the spotlight he usually avoids, as he enjoys a testimonial match for his unstinting service to Everton Football Club.It will be a 'proper' match against AEK Athens. No gift goals, no players switching positions, no goalkeepers having a go up front (although if Everton are awarded a penalty kick surely there can be only one taker).And that's just the way Hibbo would like it.Please support this honest footballer.

Everton FC have learned from past summer transfer window mistakes, says Phil Jagielka
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Aug 3 2012
PHIL JAGIELKA insists Everton FC have learned from their past mistakes in the summer transfer window and will benefit from a stable start to the new season.The England defender said he is relieved that manager David Moyes has been able to do his business with time to spare before the 2012/13 campaign begins, and the squad will benefit from the lack of uncertainty which has troubled them in previous pre-seasons.Everton have suffered previously by losing key players late in the summer, with the departure of Joleon Lescott in 2009 and Mikel Arteta last summer sapping morale before the Premier League action began.But Jagielka, 29, who has recently returned to train-ing after an extend-ed break follow-ing his involvement in Euro 2012, senses a difference this time around - especially after the captures of Steven Naismith and Steven Pienaar.He said: “We always seem to have an air of confidence, especially after the finish we had. But it was important whether we were going to do business, be it ins or outs, that it’s done as soon as possible.“We’ve seen with Tim (Cahill) going that it was nice for him it was done quick enough. Nasiy (Steven Naismith) has come in and he looks like he’s going to be a decent player for us. Hopefully we can get a couple of more in and start the season with a squad rather than having it clouding over us, and wondering ‘are we going to get him or lose him’.“The club seem to have made a purposeful intent with the transfer market to get what we can in, obviously we haven’t got a lot of money but get what we can in and get everyone familiar with each other.” The Toffees are continuing with preparations for their August 20 opener against Manchester United at Goodison, and drew 1-1 with Bulgarian champions Ludogorets in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Goodison yesterday.And Jagielka believes the pressure will be firmly on Alex Ferguson’s side when they travel to Merseyside for the first Monday night game of the season.“We’ve been handed a tough game first game of season but what’s an easy one?,” he said.“We’ve not started as well in the past whether it’s Stoke home or away, or Wigan, or Newcastle.“They won’t be looking forward to coming here because they know they’ll need to start the season well with the way their season finished and how competitive it will be for them to win the league. It’s going to be an interesting game.“I am looking forward to the first game.“When I drove into training for the first time I got goosebumps at coming to see the lads, shaking their hands and having a bit of a laugh and a joke.“I’ve never been this late back into pre-season and me and Bainesy have been training with the reserves.“We have come back in decent condition but it has been good.“I can’t wait for the first game and kick on from there.”Meanwhile, Everton have confirmed they are in advanced discussions with Fenerbahce regarding the protracted transfer of Joseph Yobo.The Nigerian defender has been on loan at the Turkish outfit for the past two seasons and the two clubs are finally close to agreeing a permanent switch.

Phil Jagielka says Everton have learned summer transfer lessons
Aug 3 2012
PHIL JAGIELKA insists Everton have learned from their past mistakes in the summer transfer window and will benefit from a stable start to the new season.The England defender (pictured) said he is relieved that manager David Moyes has been able to do his business with time to spare before the 2012/13 campaign begins, saying the squad will benefit from a lack of the uncertainty which troubled them in previous pre-seasons.Everton have suffered previously through losing key players late in the summer, with the departures of Joleon Lescott in 2009 and Mikel Arteta last summer sapping morale before the Premier League action began.But Jagielka, 29, who has recently returned to training after an extended break following his involvement in Euro 2012, senses a difference this time around – especially after the captures of Steven Naismith and Steven Pienaar.He said: "We always seem to have an air of confidence, especially after the finish we had. But it was important whether we were going to do business, be it ins or outs, that it’s done as soon as possible."We’ve seen with Tim (Cahill) going that it was nice for him it was done quick enough. Nasiy (Steven Naismith) has come in and he looks like he’s going to be a decent player for us."Hopefully we can get a couple of more in and start the season with a squad rather than having it clouding over us, and wondering ‘are we going to get him or lose him’."The club seem to have made a purposeful intent with the transfer market to get what we can in, obviously we haven’t got a lot of money but get what we can in and get everyone familiar with each other."The Toffees are continuing with preparations for their August 20 opener against Manchester United at Goodison, and drew 1-1 with Bulgarian champions Ludogorets in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Goodison yesterday.And Jagielka believes the pressure will be firmly on Alex Ferguson’s side when they travel to Merseyside for the first Monday night game of the season."We’ve been handed a tough game first game of season but what’s an easy one?," he said."We’ve not started as well in the past whether it’s Stoke home or away, or Wigan, or Newcastle. They won’t be looking forward to coming here because they know they’ll need to start the season well with the way their season finished and how competitive it will be for them to win the league. It’s going to be an interesting game.""I am looking forward to the first game. When I drove into training for the first time I got goosebumps at coming to see the lads, shaking their hands and having a bit of a laugh and a joke."I’ve never been this late back into pre-season and me and Bainesy have been training with the reserves. We have come back in decent condition but it has been good."I can’t wait for the first game and kick on from there."Meanwhile, Everton have confirmed they are in advanced discussions with Fenerbahce regarding the protracted transfer of Joseph Yobo.The Nigerian defender has been on loan at the Turkish outfit for the past two seasons and the two clubs are finally close to agreeing a permanent switch.

Pienaar determined to repay Moyes' faith in him and end Everton's trophy drought
By Sportsmail Reporter
4 August 2012 | The Mail
Steven Pienaar hopes to repay David Moyes' continued faith in his ability by ending Everton's 17-year trophy drought.The 30-year-old sealed a return to Merseyside on Wednesday in a £4.5million deal having rejoined on loan in January from Tottenham. Twelve months earlier, Pienaar swapped Goodison Park for White Hart Lane but left north London with only five league starts to his name.A place on the periphery seems highly unlikely under Moyes, who first signed the South Africa international from Borussia Dortmund in 2007, also on an initial loan deal.'If someone believes so much in you and shows so much respect for you as a player, for me I just have to go out and give 120 percent every week and hopefully this time around we can win silverware,' said Pienaar, whose club last claimed a major honour by winning the 1995 FA Cup final.'This is the fourth time (signing for Moyes). The manager knows I am an honest person who will give my all. I think that has stuck in his mind and that is why he has so much faith in me.'Pienaar's winter arrival last term along with those of Darron Gibson and Nikita Jelavic helped to spark a surge up the table to a seventh place finish - one spot above neighbours Liverpool.But this purple patch also shed light on Everton's unwanted tag as habitually slow starters, something Pienaar accepts and wants to get rid of.'I think every season it is the same story with Everton,' he said. "It's not only last season.'I think it is like a glove for the club - the players tend to wake up in the second half of the season.'But hopefully we can work towards it this season, get a good start and finish well.'A positive start may prove difficult initially when Everton kick-off the season at home to Manchester United, although Moyes' men have every right to be buoyed by the previous meeting between the sides.United surrendered a 4-2 lead as a pulsating contest finished 4-4 at Old Trafford in April, handing the title initiative to rivals Manchester City in the process.'It's going to be a totally different game,' said Pienaar, who scored Everton's crucial fourth goal on a topsy-turvy afternoon.'It's the beginning of the season so last season will be behind both teams.'We just have to start well for us and hopefully we can upset them, especially at Goodison Park.'We seem to have a quite good record against them at home. If we can start the league really good hopefully it will be a promising season for us.'

Everton FC midifelder Steven Pienaar so glad to be back at Goodison
by Greg O'Keeffe, DPW West
Aug 4 2012
JUST A couple of months ago, amid the cacophony of noise which accompanied a successful final game of the season, Steven Pienaar stood on the Goodison Park pitch unable to stem the flow of his tears.The South African had played a sparkling part in that thrilling end to the campaign after returning on loan in January, but as he took in the scenes of the grand old stadium in its pomp, he wondered whether his dream of returning would actually be fulfilled.Few things are ever straightforward in football and, although Pienaar wanted to rejoin Everton permanently and the club in turn wanted him, he was aware there was still scope for this to be a final farewell.Fast-forward to the present and the 30-year-old’s smile is wide and bright as he reflects on his latest Merseyside homecoming. “I don't know, to be fair, whether there was a chance I wouldn’t come back,” says the Bafana Bafana captain. “But I made it clear to the manager that if the opportunity came I really wanted to come back and he promised me he’d do whatever it takes to make it happen.“That was it for me, basically. At the end of the season I was a bit sad to say goodbye because I didn’t say goodbye the first time I left, and the second time it was a bit emotional.“At first it was complicated because I didn’t know what the new Spurs manager would say. Over the holidays I spoke to Villas-Boas but I told myself to follow my heart.“He understood and gave me permission even after they went to the States.“I’d already made up my mind and it was just a case of waiting for the deal to be done. I came back because of the club – the players, the manager, the supporters.“I’m glad David Moyes showed so much trust and belief in me to bring me back.”Pienaar admits Merseyside and Goodison feels like home, not just for him but his family as well, in a way North London never quite did.“My family really wanted to come back as well,” he says. “They never felt at home in London. For me it wasn’t so bad, I felt okay there, but I feel okay anywhere.“Then as soon as I moved back for the loan they didn’t want to go back to London again. Sometimes you have to consider that as well, but the most important thing is I’m happy and I’m happy here.“This place has been part of my family since I joined the first time and always was.“Everton gave me the opportunity to first play in the Premier League and when I knew I could come back it was an easy choice. The fans told me this is where I belong and to be appreciated like that is something special I think.”So with their talismanic midfielder back, what does Piennar believe Everton can achieve this season, and can they overcome the curse of their annual slow starts?“Every season it’s the same story with Everton,” he says. “Not just last season. I think we have to get a drug for the club! The players tend to wake up in the second half of the season, but hopefully we can go from the start this season, and finish well.“This season the team didn’t go away that far in pre-season, we were just local, so hopefully maybe that can change it too.”Amid the smiles and welcome home handshakes, it’s natural to wonder whether Pienaar regrets his choice to join Spurs in January 2011?“That’s football,” he says. “Wherever you go you give 100%, but for whatever reason it doesn’t work. You just have to keep your head up, move on and leave the past behind.“That’s what I did. I gave it everything and it didn’t work out, but I left with my head up. I’m proud I played for the club.”Pienaar certainly got his chance to shine back on Merseyside last term, and was perhaps never better than during the 4-4 league thriller with Manchester United at Old Trafford.With the Premier League runners-up looming on the horizon at the start of the new season, the midfielder is in bullish mood.“The supporters will still remember the last game we played against Manchester United and if we can start like we finished it will be good for the supporters.“It’s the first game of the season and everyone will be up for it. We’ll be playing one of the best teams in the league and it will ask a lot from us, but we just need to enjoy it.”Eventually Everton paid £1.5m more for Pienaar than they received from Spurs for him, but with finances tight as ever, he does not believe the situation should temper the club’s chances of success.“I don't see a problem. The last couple of seasons the club has worked on a tight budget and, to be fair, the manager has done a good job,” he says.“Hopefully we can just start the season brightly. I think we’ve got a chance to win something and maybe qualify for Europe.”

Steven Pienaar: Everton FC must hold on to Leighton Baines
by Greg O'Keeffe, DPW West
Aug 4 2012
STEVEN Pienaar hopes Everton can keep hold of Leighton Baines so the pair can revive their exciting partnership again next season.The South African midfielder was thrilled to seal his permanent Goodison return on Tuesday in a £4.5m move from Spurs, and admits he will be even happier if the Blues can ward off interest in Baines.Manchester United have yet to follow up their interest in the England defender with a formal bid, amid speculation Alex Ferguson is reluctant to pay Everton’s asking price for one of their key performers.But Pienaar insists that retaining the 27-year-old’s services could have a big influence on Everton’s performances next term.He said: “It’s not up to me, it’s up to the club to keep their best players, but hopefully he’ll stay and so will the rest of the guys. It will be important for the team.“We had a good understanding in the last couple of seasons so if he stays it will just make everyone happy as well, because we know how important he is to the entire team not just me.“He can score goals from set- pieces and it’s not just me who benefits from playing alongside him. He’s a vital player for the club – everyone knows it from the manager to the supporters . Let’s hope and see if we can hold on to him.”Pienaar admitted Baines had contacted him over the summer, keen to know his own future, but said he would have to accept it if the left-back decided to move to a Champions League club.“He texted me a few weeks ago asking me what was happening with me, but I didn’t ask him about his future,” he said.“I know he’s had some great seasons at the club and if he does get the opportunity to move I think everyone will respect it, but we all want him to stay and he knows it. It’s not in our hands, though. It wasn’t a factor in my discussions with Everton, it was about my own happiness and my family.”Meanwhile, Everton’s reserves will get the chance to bounce back from their Liverpool Senior Cup disappointment this afternoon when they continue their pre-season preparations at Welsh Premier side Bangor City.The young Blues head to Nantporth following Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat against Tranmere.The Citizens finished as runners-up in the Welsh Premier last term and will provide Alan Stubbs’ side with a combative test ahead of the new season.Kick-off is at 3pm, with tickets available on the gate.

STEVEN Pienaar hopes Everton FC can keep Leighton Baines so pair can revive their exciting partnership next season.
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Aug 4 2012
STEVEN PIENAAR hopes Everton can keep hold of Leighton Baines so the pair can revive their exciting partnership again next season.The South African midfielder was thrilled to seal his permanent Goodison return on Tuesday in a £4.5m move from Spurs, and admits he will be even happier if the Blues can ward off interest in Baines.Manchester United have yet to follow-up their interest in the England defender with a formal bid, amid speculation Alex Ferguson is reluctant to pay Everton’s asking price for one of their key performers.And Pienaar insists retaining the 27-year-old’s services could have a big influence on Everton next term.He said: “It’s not up to me, it’s up to the club to keep their best players, but hopefully he’ll stay and so will the rest of the guys. It will be important for the team.“We had a good understanding in the last couple of seasons so if he stays it will just make everyone happy as well, because we know how important he is to the entire team.“He can score goals from set pieces and it’s not just me who benefits from playing alongside him. He’s a vital player for the club – everyone knows it from the manager to the supporters. Let’s hope and see if we can hold onto him.”Pienaar admitted Baines had contacted him over the summer, keen to know his own future, but said he would have to accept it if the left-back decided to move to a Champions League club.“He texted me a few weeks ago asking me what was happening with me, but I didn’t ask him about his future,” he said.“I know he’s had some great seasons at the club and if he does get the opportunity to move I think everyone will respect it, but we all want him to stay and he knows it. It’s not in our hands, though. It wasn’t a factor in my discussions with Everton, it was about my own happiness and my family.”Meanwhile, Everton’s reserves will get the chance to bounce back from their Liverpool Senior Cup disappointment this afternoon when they continue their pre-season preparations at Welsh side Bangor City.The young Blues head to Nantporth looking to get back to winning ways following Wednesday’s last-ditch 2-1 defeat against Tranmere Rovers.The Citizens finished as runners-up in the Welsh Premier League last term and will provide Alan Stubbs’ side with a combative test ahead of the new season.Kick-off is at 3pm, with tickets available on the gate priced at £8 for adults, £2 children and £5 concessions.

Royal Blue: Jose Baxter makes his point after Blues Tranmere no show
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Aug 4 2012
RECENTLY departed Everton forward Jose Baxter might have ruffled a few feathers with his frank tweet concerning the reserves poor showing in the Liverpool Senior Cup on Wednesday night, when they lost 2-1 to Tranmere.But Baxter, who was quick to praise his friend and fellow former academy starlet James Wallace had a point, even if he might have made it in a different manner.Everton’s midfield containing Jack Rodwell, Ross Barkley, and Francisco Junior were outplayed by Wallace and his new team-mates, and all three must improve on that showing as the bid to force their way into David Moyes’ first team plans.

Royal Blue: Everton disability hero in line for Echo Pride of Merseyside award
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Aug 4 2012
AN inspirational Everton in the Community employee has been shortlisted for the top prize at the Echo’s Pride of Merseyside Awards.Steve Johnson, Disability Manager for the charity, has made the final cut for the overall ‘Pride of Merseyside’ award, which goes to someone who makes a difference to the lives of others in their community.Steve joined the Blues’ official charity in 2003 and has worked tirelessly to make the disability programme one of the most influential disability sports programmes in the world.Having lost his leg in a football accident in 1985, Steve discovered amputee football, and although in its infancy the sport re-ignited his love for the game. Despite suffering such a horrendous injury, Steve managed to turn his life around through the power of football and just three years later he received his first call up to the England team. He went on to achieve over 130 international caps, captaining the England team for over 20 years, and winning three World Cups.The Echo awards will take place on Thursday September 6, at a ceremony and dinner at the Hilton Hotel, Liverpool, when all the award winners will be revealed.For more information about Everton’s Disability programme, call 0151 530 5253.

Royal Blue: Everton FC may not need morale-boost of Tim Cahill’s January return
by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo
Aug 4 2012
NO sooner had the ink dried on Tim Cahill’s new deal with NY Red Bulls, then debate surfaced over whether the Aussie would be back on loan during the MLS break in January.Even the 32-year-old Goodison hero refused to rule out the possibility when asked about it during his Big Apple press call, and I’m sure it’s not beyond the realms of possibility.But in the nicest possibly way - particularly in regards to a player so adored in L4 - let’s hope Everton don’t need to.Traditionally it has taken the arrival of MLS poster-boy Landon Donovan after Christmas to get the Toffees firing, lift morale and flog a few more shirts.Let’s hope that this season requires no such shot in the arm; that Nikica Jelavic is still banging in the goals, and Everton have avoided their traditional opening slump.Of course I’m sure Cahill would be welcomed back with open arms if an injury crisis gripped Goodison’s forward line, but that should be the only criteria for his swift return.

Blackpool 2 Everton 0
Published on Sunday 5 August 2012 (Blackpool Gazette)
BLACKPOOL beat a full-strength Everton side to celebrate Keith Southern’s testimonial.The midfielder, who joined Huddersfield last month after ten years at the club, played the opening 15 minutes for the final time in a Tangerine shirt.Pool, with only half their squad available (the other half played yesterday against Hyde) looked comfortable against the Premier League outfit who fielded all their star players.It took until after the break for the breakthrough. Alex Baptiste heading home a superb corner from Gerardo Bruna.On 70 minutes Ian Holloway made a host of changes, one being former Bolton youngster James Caton who caught the eye.And it was he who sealed the win for Pool on 85 minutes, finishing well after a great run into the box.On full time there was an emotional goodbye for Southern who saluted the fans while carrying his son Ryan on his shoulders.A fitting win for a Blackpool FC hero.

Blackpool 2 Everton FC 0: Pre-season sloppiness leaves David Moyes far from happy
By Greg O'Keeffe
Aug 6 2012
WHEN even the Bloomfield Road stadium announcer couldn’t figure out who scored Blackpool’s opener, you got the sense this was going to be a lackadaisical afternoon. That puzzle was compounded when the home side’s string of substitutes took to the pitch wearing shirts with no names or numbers, and ultimately Everton proved that the confusion was contagious with a shoddy defensive display in line with the haphazard tone of this sleepy pre-season friendly by the seaside, a testimonial for former Blue Keith Southern. While Alex Baptiste (not his lookalike Ludovic Sylvestre) might have been smiling after plundering the game’s first goal for the Tangerines, David Moyes was certainly not afterwards. It may only have been a warm-up game, but such trivialities have rarely been taken into consideration over the years by the Everton boss who demands the upmost focus and commitment from his side regardless of what is at stake.
And Moyes is right to have been distinctly underwhelmed by his team, who should really be building up a head of steam now with their Premier League campaign opener against Manchester United just a fortnight away. Instead they gave the impression that they are still going through the early July motions at times, and will need to show more urgency when Greek side AEK Athens arrive in Merseyside on Wednesday for Tony Hibbert’s testimonial. Of course there are extenuating circumstances to a degree, behind this result. While the Blues fielded a strong line-up, many of the senior personnel who started are still lacking in meaningful match practise, with Leighton Baines only playing his second competitive game of the summer following his watching and training brief at Euro 2012. Add to that the extended breaks afforded to Nikica Jelavic, who played more of a part in Poland and Ukraine, and John Heitinga, and it’s fair to say the first team have some way to go before rediscovering their overall cohesion and fluidity. Steven Pienaar too, although inventive and classy as ever, looked like a player who missed out on some pre-season fitness work after he did not go to the USA with Spurs so he could conclude his Goodison return. That brings us to the old cliché that pre-season games are simply about building fitness, and in this case Evertonians will hope it applies. They certainly shouldn’t read too much into the defeat, but will hope to see vast improvement in the coming two weeks. At least Everton had the ball in the back of the net first after Pienaar’s cross was headed home by Marouane Fellaini, even if the South African was adjudged to have strayed off side. And while the visitors dominated the opening stages, they survived a scare when Jan Mucha had to be at full stretch to deny a venomous 25-yard effort by former Liverpool youngster Gerardo Bruna. Then Jelavic flicked on a header into the path of Steven Naismith who drilled a low shot which Mark Halstead parried. As the pace slumped to leisurely at best, the chances dwindled but the Croatian looked the main threat and nearly slipped in at the far post after Darron Gibson’s canny cross field pass found him. That opportunity suddenly revived the pace, and sub Isiah Osbourne – who had replaced testimonial man Keith Southern – brought another impressive stop from Mucha with a pile driver from the edge of the area. The hosts cranked up some pressure then, with the highly-rated Tom Ince flashing a shot just wide.
Blackpool continued to carve out more chances after the break, with Gary Taylor-Fletcher finding acres of space but his tame shot was steered woefully wide. And when a promising move between Naismith and Victor Anichebe broke down, Taylor-Fletcher was set free to go close again.
Ian Holloway’s side got the lead they deserved on 63 minutes when Everton switched off from Bruna’s corner and allowed Baptiste to bury a close range header. The Blues were lucky not to go further behind soon after when Louis Almond rounded Tim Howard but fluffed his lines with the goal open at his mercy. In reply sub Apostolos Vellios fired narrowly over from range, and Ross Barkley tried to take the game to the host’s with a couple of mazy runs. But Blackpool rubbed salt in Everton's wounds five minutes from timewhen trialist James Caton latched onto a neat through-ball before calmly firing past Howard to seal the win for the Championship side. Anichebe’s lively cameo continued, as the Nigerian turned smartly and clipped the cross bar with his shot moments before the final whistle. Maybe the Olympic spirit sweeping the nation has fired the Nigerian’s mojo with memories of his own brush with glory at the competition back in 2008 in Beijing.
It’s a big season for the 24-year-old. Moyes still wants to sign another forward to provide striking cover for Jelavic, but would be delighted if Anichebe, a player in who he has shown plenty of faith, finally stepped up to fulfil his potential. But it’s not just Anichebe who has every reason to be busting a gut to shine in pre-season. It’s make or break for Coleman too if he wants to become the long-term successor to Leon Osman’s right-wing berth, and Vellios could find himself surplus to requirements if he too doesn’t show he can make the grade consistently. The team as a whole can be forgiven a little sloppiness for now – but as the clock ticks down to August 20 the good will won’t last long.
BLACKPOOL: (4-4-2) Halstead, Crainey, Southern (Osbourne, 21, Addai, 78), Eardley (Thompson, 70), Angel (Tomsett, 70), Ince (Caton, 70), Taylor-Fletcher (Almond, 70), Sylvestre (Phillips, 70) Baptiste, Bruna (Djeziri), Eastham (Cathcart, 44).
Subs not used: Gradin, Gilks, Menagh, Challoner.
Goals: Baptiste (63) Caton (87)
EVERTON: (4-4-1-1) Mucha (Howard, 45), Neville (Capt), Heitinga, Duffy (Bidwell, 82), Baines, Garbutt, (78), Gibson (Barkley, 76), Fellaini (Vellios, 73), Pienaar (Osman, 45), Coleman, Naismith (Rodwell, 64), Jelavic (Anichebe, 45).
Subs not used: Distin, McAleny, Browning.
Ref: Graham Salisbury
Attendance: 9,208
Next up: AEK Athens (Goodison Park, Wednesday. 7.45pm)

No rest as Everton FC’s Leighton Baines sets his sights on new season
Liverpool Echo
Aug 6 2012
LEIGHTON Baines admits he has barely had a summer break in order to be fighting fit for Everton FC's bid to start the season in form. The England defender made only his second pre-season appearance for his club during yesterday’s 2-0 defeat by Blackpool at Bloomfield Road, but even though Baines has not had much match action he has been putting in extra time in the gym.
He said: “When your football has continued on past the end of the season, it’s important that you get at least three or four weeks where you can rest and switch off, both physically and mentally.
“Then you come back ready to go. “I only took a week off to be honest. “ I figured it wouldn’t be that long before I was back so I might as well stay in decent shape. “You do that in the hope of avoiding injury more than anything. You get put through your paces when you come back in pre-season and there’s a lot of stress put on your body. “If you let yourself go too far, that’s where you’re going to get niggles and start missing important sessions. “If you keep yourself up to scratch physically, you can get the full benefit when you start the season.” Although both included in Roy Hodgson’s England squad that reached the quarter-finals in Poland and Ukraine, Baines and team-mate Phil Jagielka remained on the substitutes bench throughout the competition. And that lack of match action meant extra training sessions for the duo. “Once the games started, the ones that played didn’t train,” he said. “But the rest of the squad – you sit around and do all the eating before the game and then you haven’t played, so you have to work it off and then continue training to keep your levels up.” The former Wigan man also had his international colleague to thank for his maintained fitness, adding: “Jags is a good running partner for me. "We both have slightly different strengths when it comes to types of running, so there’ll be times where I pull him along a bit and others where I’m trying to hang onto him. “It’s a good partnership for both of us.”

Everton FC will remain mainstay of my life, says Tony Hibbert
Aug 6 2012
TONY HIBBERT is adamant Everton will remain a mainstay of his life as he marks a decade as a player at Goodison Park. In modern football the one-club man is an increasingly rare breed and Hibbert is proud to count himself among their dwindling number. The 31-year-old right-back is preparing to mark his testimonial season when AEK Athens visit Merseyside on Wednesday and he views the occasion with an uncomplicated honesty so prevalent in his playing style. “It’s just normal,” he said when asked about the significance of his lengthy stay. “I’ve been here since I was 10 or 11, so Everton is just Everton to me. “It’s a big part of my life and it always will be. My family always say ’Everton’s first’. Every single day is Everton. “Coming here and spending every day here is nothing different to me so it’s hard to explain and get across how it is for me.
“To be a part of a club for that long, when I sit down and think about it with my family and go through it, it’s unbelievable and I can’t say any more really. “To be here playing for that long, 10 years, really is a blessing for me.” Hibbert, the only player remaining at Goodison from David Moyes’ first game in charge against Fulham in 2002, holds an inauspicious club record of playing 265 times without scoring. So what are the chances of him thrilling the Gladys Road End by finally hitting the back of the net against AEK? “Obviously that’s the main question everyone’s asking me,” he said. “I want us to win first, whatever game it is. Whether it’s a friendly, a testimonial or a Premier League game I think Everton should be winning. “But if it does come, it comes. It’s hard to say I’m going to go up and take a penalty because I’ve never thought about it during games.”

Bangor City FC 0 Everton XI 6
by Dave Jones, DPW West
Aug 6 2012
EVERTON’S Ross Barkley produced a man-of-the-match performance for a classy Everton side which proved too strong for Bangor City at The Book People Stadium on Saturday. The 18-year-old midfielder, who has made nine first-team appearances for the Blues, scored one goal and was at the centre of many other attacking moves from the visitors. Coaches Alan Stubbs and David Weir brought a talented young reserves side to North Wales including striker Conor McAleny, who has featured twice as a substitute for the firsts, as well as skipper Jake Bidwell, who spent the majority of last season out on loan at League One outfit Brentford. The hosts, managed by former Everton trainee Marc Limbert in the absence of holidaying Neville Powell, made a fine start and a brilliant sixth-minute cross from Sion Edwards eluded everyone in the box apart from Chris Jones who blasted over from an angle. The Toffees took the lead on 10 minutes when McAleny was allowed to break too easily into the box and drilled in a low cross which left Hallam Hope with a straightforward finish. City rallied with Jones' shot deflected over the bar before the same player clipped the near post from a corner. Bangor were enjoying a lot of possession but were denied clear-cut openings by an outstanding Everton defence. Bangor so nearly equalised on 35 minutes when Edwards' corner was nodded goalwards by Davies, but Garbutt cleared off the line. In the 41st minute Bangor’s Les Davies almost produced a stunning goal. Edwards crossed from the left and Davies connected with an overhead kick, but the ball cleared the bar by inches. It looked like it would remain 1-0 at the break, but against the run of play Everton notched a 45th-minute second when impressive right-back Tyius Browning slipped the ball to Hope who lashed home a beauty from 15 yards. The game was over as a contest two minutes after the restart when Michael Johnston could only clear a byeline cross into the path of Barkley, who fired past Lee Idzi with ease. In the last 15 minutes the professionals took full advantage of a now tiring home team. Idzi made a good block from substitute Chris Long but the ball unfortunately rebounded in off City defender Chris Roberts. Tyias Browning hit the bar before in the 83rd minute the same player's cross from the right was headed home in bullet-like fashion by McAleny. And a minute later the rout was completed when a Ibou Touray delivery was headed down for defender John Lundstram to lash in number six.

Joseph Yobo completes Fenerbahce move
Aug 6 2012
EVERTON FC'S Joseph Yobo has completed his protracted transfer to Fenerbahce. The Nigerian defender spent the past two seasons on loan with the Turkish giants and today finally signed a permanent deal with the club. Everton's fee for the move remains undisclosed but Yobo has signed a three-year deal. For a long time, the Blues and Fenerbahce had been unable to agree on a price for the centre-half and this summer Yobo returned to Finch Farm to join the Everton squad for pre-season training. But a deal has been struck and the 31-year-old has put pen to paper on a long-term contract at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

Devoted Blue Tony Hibbert looking forward to Everton FC testimonial
by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Echo
Aug 7 2012
PLAYING for Everton FC is more than just a career for Tony Hibbert – it is a way of life.
The 31-year-old full-back from Huyton grew up from a boy to a man with the Blues, progressing through the youth set-up to become a first team player with more than 300 games under his belt. Tomorrow, Hibbert’s loyalty – perhaps devotion would be a better word in this case – is rewarded with a testimonial game, in the form of Everton’s pre-season friendly against AEK Athens at Goodison. He is sharing the proceeds with local charities. Looking back on a working life focused towards one aim, Hibbert said: “I have always thought about getting into the first team and playing as many games as I could. It is frightening when you look back, the time has flown by.” Hibbert was aged 10 when he made the progression from being an Everton fan in a family of Evertonians to pulling on a club shirt. “I have grown up at Everton,” Hibbert said. “I guess I have stayed here so long because of the club being what it is. “My family had a big say in it. It’s just a family-based club. I wouldn’t say there was an individual person, it’s the whole club.” Hibbert made his debut against West Ham in 2001 and spent most of his time as a professional working under manager David Moyes, averaging around 30 games a season over the period. “The manager has stuck by me for the 10 years that he has been here,” Hibbert said. “You see a lot of people come and go. “Also the fans have been absolutely brilliant. I think over the years, the support they have given us and me as a person, I couldn’t ask for more. “I think with Everton, the supporters are up there with the best of teams by far, home and away. They are different class.” Hibbert added: “The club has changed a lot, everything about the football side, the training, the facilities, developing the players and the football itself – it’s all changed. Buy Vintage Everton Shirts on Ebay “The way you prepare yourself and go into games is different. What is available for you as a player wasn’t available and wasn’t even thought about in those days.” Not that Hibbert reckons his own approach has altered so much over the years. “I don’t think I’ve changed much as a player,” he added. “I like a tackle and I think that’s what I’ve kept – that and just giving 100 per cent. Hibbert’s commitment to the Everton cause is such that Phil Neville cannot imagine him playing for another club. “You can’t envisage him wearing another shirt, he’s Everton through and through,” Neville said. The former England and Manchester United defender reckons Hibbert’s true emotions about Everton come to the fore in derby week.
“He just comes alive,” Neville said. “From being a quite quiet lad, who does join in the with the banter but he’s quite reserved, he comes alive. “He leads from the front and he lets people know, particularly the foreign players, what it means to be an Everton player playing against Liverpool and what it means to the fans. “He’s probably the best out-and-out defender we’ve got. “When people think of the great teams that have been built here over the last 10 years and some of the great performances, Tony Hibbert has always been in the starting 11. “It’s a tremendous achievement and I hope the fans come along and support him.”

Turkish delight for Everton FC and Joseph Yobo as move is finalised
by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Echo
Aug 7 2012
JOSEPH Yobo finally cut his ties to Everton FC by completing a permanent transfer to Turkish club Fenerbahce. The Nigerian international helped Fenerbahce to Turkish league and cup triumphs during a two-year loan spell. Now Everton have accepted an undisclosed fee for the 31-year-old who made more than 250 appearances and played in the 2009 FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea during his time at Goodison Yobo said: “My family have settled well in Turkey and enjoy the life there, so I’m glad they will be re-uniting with friends here. “The permanent switch is done and I am also switching to help the team do well on the pitch. “It’s been a long journey into achieving this dream and now is the time to pay the club and fans back with a great performance.” Yobo joined Everton from French club Marseille, initially on loan, in July 2002 as manager David Moyes’ first signing, making a permanent £3.5million switch the following summer. He made more than 250 appearances for the club, the last of them in a 0-0 Premier League draw at Stoke in May 2010.

Joseph Yobo finally departs as Everton prepare for Tony Hibbert tribute
Ian Doyle
Aug 7 2012
DAVID MOYES continued his squad pruning yesterday as Joseph Yobo finally completed his protracted £2million transfer to Fenerbahce. Yobo has spent the last two years on loan at the Turkish side, helping them win the domestic cup last season and the league the previous campaign.
The 31-year-old, who was Moyes’s first major signing as Everton manager back in 2002, had returned to Finch Farm as negotiations between the two clubs reached a standstill. But a further round of talks has seen Yobo finally complete the move and free up some of the club’s wage budget.
“I am the happiest man in the world now,” said the centre-back yesterday. “I want to thank all my fans, friends and family who have stayed behind me, and I promise to raise the flag higher every day.” Meanwhile, Leon Osman is urging Everton’s fans to show their support for Tony Hibbert in his testimonial tomorrow night. Hibbert’s 11 years of first-team service will be marked with a benefit match against AEK Athens on at Goodison. The game will also act as a further indication of how Everton are progressing in their pre-season programme, with Moyes hoping for a better performance than the one shown in the 2-0 defeat at npower Championship side Blackpool on Sunday. Osman has played alongside Hibbert at various age levels at the club since the age of 10, with both having gone on to make more than 300 appearances for the club. And Osman said: “Tony is a cracking player, he deserves all the plaudits he gets and really deserves his testimonial.
“Hopefully the crowds will come out and show their appreciation and make it a terrific night for him.
“The special part will be walking out at the beginning and seeing the fans who have come to salute and wave, as once the game starts he will be back to his usual self. “It is an important game for us with our fitness levels ahead of the start of the season but before, and certainly afterwards, he should reap the rewards he deserves.”

Wayne Rooney asked to play for Everton in Tony Hibbert's testimonial
• 'It was a great honour that he wanted to play,' says Hibbert
• Manchester United friendly stops Rooney from playing
Andy Hunter
The Guardian
Tuesday 7 August 2012
Wayne Rooney was willing to risk a hostile reception at Goodison Park to play for Everton in Tony Hibbert's testimonial, the club's longest-serving player has revealed. The Manchester United striker, who left his boyhood club in acrimonious circumstances in 2004, asked to support his former team-mate Hibbert in his testimonial against AEK Athens on Wednesday night, only for the game to clash with United's high-profile friendly with Barcelona in Gothenburg. Hibbert said: "It was great that he asked me but it just worked out that Manchester United also have a game and he was quite upset when he realised. It says everything about Wayne that he was willing to do that. He probably would have got a bad reception but he is not fazed about that. He loves Everton. Deep down he is still an Evertonian. "I know for a fact that he still goes to games. He will do anything for Everton. It was a great honour for me that he wanted to play in the game. I was surprised when he asked whether he could play and if I would like him to. I jumped at the chance but obviously he has other commitments." The Everton defender, who made his first-team debut in March 2001, believes there remains a chance of Rooney finishing his career at Goodison. "I think it is possible," added Hibbert. "If Wayne wants it, then I think the club would be stupid not to welcome him back. I think there would be a few moans but for us to get a player like Wayne Rooney, who is still a massive Evertonian, like all his family, would be fantastic." Hibbert has never scored in 309 appearances for Everton, an unwanted club record, but claims to have no plans to take a penalty should one be awarded against AEK. He said: "Everyone has been asking me that. The manager hasn't said anything, nobody has. I would rather us win 1-0 than us get beaten 2-1 and I score the goal. I just want to win. I don't know why everyone is saying I should take a penalty either. It's an easy way of scoring, isn't it? If I'm going to do it, I want it to be a 30-yarder."

Everton stalwart Hibbert reveals Rooney's wish to wear blue again at Goodison
By Dominic King
7 August 2012 The Daily Mail
Wayne Rooney has been tipped to finish his career with a sensational return to Everton by the man who hoped to see him in Royal Blue again. Tony Hibbert's selfless and loyal service to Everton over the last 16 years, 11 of which have been spent in the first team, will receive the ultimate recognition when AEK Athens come to Goodison Park for his testimonial on Wednesday. The defender, who has amassed 309 appearances since making his debut at West Ham in March 2001, had wanted Rooney to be involved and the England striker would have jumped at the chance, had Manchester United not had commitments of their own against Barcelona in Sweden. Seeing Rooney don an Everton shirt for the first time since his £27million move to Old Trafford in August 2004 would undoubtedly have caused a commotion, as certain sections of Everton's support have never forgiven him the contentious manner he left. Hibbert, though, believes Rooney – who has never hidden the fact he continues to support Everton – would have no hesitation in returning to Goodison if an opportunity arrived at a suitable stage, once his time with United is over. It would have been good for Wayne (to play) and it was great that he asked me,' said Hibbert. 'It has just worked out that Manchester United have a game. He was quite upset when he realised (he couldn't play). I still speak to him and it's just great to see what he is doing. 'He hasn't changed one bit. It says everything about Wayne that he was willing to do that. He probably would have got a bad reception but he is not fazed about that. He loves Everton. Deep down he is still an Evertonian. I know for a fact that he still goes to (Everton) games. 'He will do anything for Everton. It was a great honour for me that he wanted to play in the game. I was surprised when he asked whether he could play and if I would like him to. I jumped at the chance but obviously he has other commitments. When asked whether finishing his career at Goodison was possible, Hibbert said: 'I think it is. If Wayne says it, then I think the club would be stupid not to welcome him back. I think there would be a few moans but for us to get a player like Wayne Rooney would be massive.' Hibbert, of course, played a bit part role the night Rooney signed his first major deal at Goodison in 2003, when he sat to the striker's side during a press conference, fulfilling his duties without the slightest bit of fuss. That episode encapsulated his career. He has never courted publicity or looked to create headlines, he has simply got on with his job, defending in a no-nonsense manner, and done all that has been asked of him to the best of his ability. Coming from Huyton, the same district of Liverpool as Steven Gerrard, all that Hibbert has done has been for Everton's benefit and it once prompted David Moyes to say that 'he bleeds Blue blood' and he would have 'a job for life' at Goodison. Such an attitude has helped him achieve cult status and the fact he has never scored a top-flight goal saw him become the subject of a banner three years ago that read 'Hibbert scores, we riot' - that banner still follows Everton around to this day and many hope his duck will be broken here. To hear him speak about the occasion, however, epitomises all he is about. Hibbert will not look to take penalties, he will only be happy if Everton win and the only thing he will relish about being in the spotlight is that all proceeds are going to Clare House children's hospice and the Rainbow Trust. 'The manager has said it is a pre-season game and that means we have got to be competitive,' explains Hibbert, who rates his debut at Upton Park in a 2-0 win as his best moment in Blue. 'Once the game starts, everything that has surrounded the game goes out of the window. 'When the day comes that I feel I cannot do that, then that will be it. But, as it is now, I am still hungry and feel that I can still perform. When you pull that shirt on, you don't want to give anything other than 100 per cent. 'As for taking a penalty, everyone has been asking me that! I would rather us win 1-0 than us get beaten 2-1 and I score the goal. I don't know why everyone is saying I should take a penalty either. It's an easy way of scoring, isn't it? If I'm going to do it, I want it to be a 30 yarder!'

Devoted Blue Tony Hibbert looking forward to Everton FC testimonial
by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Echo
Aug 7 2012
PLAYING for Everton FC is more than just a career for Tony Hibbert – it is a way of life. The 31-year-old full-back from Huyton grew up from a boy to a man with the Blues, progressing through the youth set-up to become a first team player with more than 300 games under his belt. Tomorrow, Hibbert’s loyalty – perhaps devotion would be a better word in this case – is rewarded with a testimonial game, in the form of Everton’s pre-season friendly against AEK Athens at Goodison. He is sharing the proceeds with local charities. Looking back on a working life focused towards one aim, Hibbert said: “I have always thought about getting into the first team and playing as many games as I could. It is frightening when you look back, the time has flown by.” Hibbert was aged 10 when he made the progression from being an Everton fan in a family of Evertonians to pulling on a club shirt.
“I have grown up at Everton,” Hibbert said. “I guess I have stayed here so long because of the club being what it is. “My family had a big say in it. It’s just a family-based club. I wouldn’t say there was an individual person, it’s the whole club.” Hibbert made his debut against West Ham in 2001 and spent most of his time as a professional working under manager David Moyes, averaging around 30 games a season over the period. “The manager has stuck by me for the 10 years that he has been here,” Hibbert said. “You see a lot of people come and go. “Also the fans have been absolutely brilliant. I think over the years, the support they have given us and me as a person, I couldn’t ask for more. “I think with Everton, the supporters are up there with the best of teams by far, home and away. They are different class.” Hibbert added: “The club has changed a lot, everything about the football side, the training, the facilities, developing the players and the football itself – it’s all changed. “The way you prepare yourself and go into games is different. What is available for you as a player wasn’t available and wasn’t even thought about in those days.” Not that Hibbert reckons his own approach has altered so much over the years. “I don’t think I’ve changed much as a player,” he added. “I like a tackle and I think that’s what I’ve kept – that and just giving 100 per cent.
Hibbert’s commitment to the Everton cause is such that Phil Neville cannot imagine him playing for another club. “You can’t envisage him wearing another shirt, he’s Everton through and through,” Neville said. The former England and Manchester United defender reckons Hibbert’s true emotions about Everton come to the fore in derby week. “He just comes alive,” Neville said. “From being a quite quiet lad, who does join in the with the banter but he’s quite reserved, he comes alive.
“He leads from the front and he lets people know, particularly the foreign players, what it means to be an Everton player playing against Liverpool and what it means to the fans. “He’s probably the best out-and-out defender we’ve got. “When people think of the great teams that have been built here over the last 10 years and some of the great performances, Tony Hibbert has always been in the starting 11. “It’s a tremendous achievement and I hope the fans come along and support him.”

Turkish delight for Everton FC and Joseph Yobo as move is finalised
by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Echo
Aug 7 2012
JOSEPH Yobo finally cut his ties to Everton FC by completing a permanent transfer to Turkish club Fenerbahce. The Nigerian international helped Fenerbahce to Turkish league and cup triumphs during a two-year loan spell. Now Everton have accepted an undisclosed fee for the 31-year-old who made more than 250 appearances and played in the 2009 FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea during his time at Goodison Yobo said: “My family have settled well in Turkey and enjoy the life there, so I’m glad they will be re-uniting with friends here. “The permanent switch is done and I am also switching to help the team do well on the pitch. “It’s been a long journey into achieving this dream and now is the time to pay the club and fans back with a great performance.” Yobo joined Everton from French club Marseille, initially on loan, in July 2002 as manager David Moyes’ first signing, making a permanent £3.5million switch the following summer. He made more than 250 appearances for the club, the last of them in a 0-0 Premier League draw at Stoke in May 2010.